Carbon Footprint

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Carbon Footprint

Overview

It is important for students to know that they can and do have an impact on the environment. In this lesson, students will calculate their carbon footprint to get a better view of how they contribute to CO2 emissions and what they can do to reduce their impact on the environment.

Objectives

Students will be able to…
  • Define carbon footprint
  • Calculate their carbon footprint
  • Identify sources of carbon emissions
  • Formulate ways to reduce their impact on the environment

Preparation Notes

Reserve time in computer lab

Materials

Instruction

Opening

  • Read article:
    CO2 emissions article.docx
  • How much do you think that you contribute to CO2 emmissions?
  • Where do CO2 emissions come from?
  • I want you to take a few minutes and write down all of the things you use on a daily basis that burn fossil fuels: Think of things you do at home, your transportation, and what you do for fun
  • Students then share out with the class.

Activity

  • Today you will calculate the carbon footprint for your household
  • Read aloud intro to carbon footprint worksheet
  • Students will calculate their carbon footprint by answering questions on the website: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/ind-calculator.html
  • Students will then use the resources on the EPA website to answer questions on how they can reduce their carbon footprint.

Closing

  • How many of you were surprised about your carbon footprint?
  • Why is it important to lower your carbon footprint?
  • What ways can you think of to reduce your carbon footprint?
  • Who thinks they have the lowest carbon footprint? What are you doing to have such a low footprint?

Please finish up your worksheets but do not hand them in. You may use them to study for your unit exam. If you have not handed in your invasive species wanted poster please do so now.

Assessment

Questions in class and carbon footprint worksheet.

Homework

Study for unit exam.

References:


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